In 2021, I unintentionally began speaking about neurodiversity in search engine optimisation. I had no plan; I simply occurred to be alone prognosis journey for autism and ADHD and realised there wasn’t lots of data accessible for others within the trade.
I ended up recording a presentation used at two BrightonSEO occasions, and I haven’t stopped speaking about it since. Three years later, there’s nonetheless work to be performed. That’s why BrightLocal has supported me in writing this text all about how we are able to make the search engine optimisation trade extra neurodivergent-friendly.
Disclaimer: Within the sections under, you’ll discover a few of my concepts about what extra we are able to do, nevertheless it’s vital to do not forget that many extra areas of enchancment exist outdoors of my very own lived experiences. Converse to your neurodivergent friends, managers, and direct reviews; you’ll be taught way more. Each neurodivergent search engine optimisation could have their very own wants and preferences.
What truly is neurodivergence?
You might already find out about neurodivergence or heard the phrase “neurodiversity”. Very Effectively Thoughts explains that “neurodiversity is the idea that there are a number of ways in which individuals’s brains course of data, operate, and current behaviorally.”
Inside that, you will have “neurotypical,” which refers to “somebody who has the mind capabilities, behaviors, and processing thought of normal or typical.” After which you will have “neurodivergent,” which is the time period for “individuals whose brains operate in another way in a number of methods than is taken into account normal or typical.”
There’s a rising group of forms of neurodivergence, however some that you could be be acquainted with embody:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette’s
- Synesthesia
- Down syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Plus, persistent psychological well being sicknesses comparable to bipolar dysfunction, OCD, BPD, anxiousness, and despair.
This isn’t an unique record; the umbrella of neurodivergence is vast. Nevertheless, I like to recommend studying about any of the types of neurodivergence on this record that you simply aren’t acquainted with so you can begin understanding extra of your friends. I’m nonetheless studying one thing new on daily basis.
Neurodivergence within the search engine optimisation Trade
Again to search engine optimisation, extra particularly. There are most likely extra neurodivergent SEOs in your community than you’re conscious of! There’s now a complete group rising because of the founders of Neurodivergents in search engine optimisation, who’ve a Slack group and are beginning to have a presence at trade conferences.
Let’s transfer on and have a look at completely different areas which may change into extra neurodivergent-friendly.
Working Preparations for Neurodivergent Folks
Up to now, I’ve discovered workplace areas to convey on sensory overload or simply have too many distractions. As a freelancer, I can now make money working from home, in a coworking house, or in a espresso store, relying on how I’m feeling on any given day. This isn’t doable for everybody with a everlasting position, so a little bit of flexibility could make a world of distinction for some neurodivergent people.
“A little bit of flexibility could make a world of distinction”
Flexibility could come within the type of hybrid working (some days within the workplace and a few at house) or in working hours. I’m an early fowl and wish to get going within the morning, however over half of individuals with ADHD expertise sleeping issues, so others would profit from a later begin to help productiveness.
Within the workplace itself, offering adjustable lighting, soundproofing, ergonomic furnishings, and designated quiet areas the place staff can retreat for centered work or sensory breaks might be welcome additions. Some people additionally want noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, so check out present workplace insurance policies and ensure there isn’t a blanket ban on utilizing these in communal areas.
Freelancing as a Neurodivergent Particular person
In fact, not each skilled within the trade works in a everlasting position inside an company or in-house; now we have a large number of freelancers and consultants, too. Having solely gone freelance myself in early 2024 after 13 years agency-side, I requested one among my neurodivergent friends to offer me their extra knowledgeable insights as a longer-term freelancer within the trade. Meet Lois Neville, a contract search engine optimisation copywriter:
Neurodivergence and Job Interview Wants
Within the part above, Lois talked about disclosure. I’m not right here to inform anybody whether or not they need to disclose their neurodivergence to an present or potential employer, as that’s a private selection. However what I might help with is that if somebody has chosen to reveal this data earlier than a job interview.
“Provide clear directions in regards to the interview course of”
No matter neurodivergence, there’s one factor you are able to do for all candidates: provide clear directions in regards to the interview course of, together with what to anticipate, tips on how to put together, and any lodging accessible upon request.
If you happen to’re capable of provide flexibility, let candidates select from a variety of interview codecs, comparable to in-person, digital, or asynchronous choices, to accommodate particular person preferences and wishes. You also needs to present candidates with detailed details about the interview format, construction, and questions upfront.
Through the interview, take into consideration providing prolonged time, breaks, or different communication strategies. If you happen to’re setting an interview activity, ship this within the candidate’s most well-liked format and allow them to ship it again in the identical manner. For instance, a dyslexic candidate could really feel extra snug sending a Loom recording than a written reply.
Networking Occasions and Conferences Want Concerns for Neurodivergent People
On LinkedIn, I’ve shared a complete submit nearly being autistic at conferences, award ceremonies, and occasions. Most of the similar issues apply to workplace areas, significantly relating to the atmosphere and sensory overload.
Some occasions have already got quiet rooms, which is a superb first step. However extra might be performed to supply extra accessible routes that don’t have bathroom queues, espresso/beer hurdles, or exhibition stands in the way in which.
Networking may be exhausting for many individuals, so innovation on this space would profit a lot of attendees, whether or not neurodivergent or introverted. Having different types of networking may cater to extra individuals, whether or not it’s constructing LEGO, taking part in video video games, or perhaps even a spherical of chess. Some individuals must burn off vitality, and others must protect it.
That is Simply the Starting
It’s vital that we perceive the advantages that neurodivergent individuals convey to the trade with out avoiding the mandatory conversations about lodging we must be making for them too.
Up to now, I’ve spoken about neurodivergent superpowers (the areas the place neurodivergent people can have sure strengths), however I do this a lot much less now within the worry that it over-glamorizes any type of neurodivergence and diminishes the struggles that people could face.
However theoretically, neurodivergence ought to work properly in search engine optimisation; now we have roles that span analytical to artistic, roles which can be client-facing, and others that aren’t. Some persons are managers, and others are consultants. Some are nice at sharing tales on stage, others by podcast, textual content, or simply via their day-to-day work.
To show that idea into actuality means staying curious and knowledgeable after which making modifications to nurture this and the subsequent era of neurodivergent expertise within the trade. This text may be your springboard, however the subsequent transfer is as much as you.
Hannah is a full-stack search engine optimisation freelancer, who additionally helps companies to fulfil their very own advertising and marketing wants. She’s an ex Head of Content material, PR and search engine optimisation and loves getting concerned with a wide range of initiatives. When Hannah is not engaged on an search engine optimisation undertaking, she’s often advocating about neurodiversity, or taking over a brand new problem like a triathlon.